I thought I'd give a little background
about Ultraman and Ultraseven. For more detailed information about
these shows see my links page.

Ultraman was created by the
legendary
Eiji Tsuburaya in the
60's.The original Ultraman first aired in Japan on July, 1966. It ran
for 39 episodes and ended in April, 1967. Some of the first toys and
figures to made of Ultraman, were by a company called MARUSAN . Toys
made by this company are most often identified by the cirlce "SAN"
logo, which is found on the feet or backs of the toys. A English
dubbed version of this show first aired in the USA and Argentina in
1968 ... and off and on thru the late 1970's.

The second series to air in Japan, was
Ultraseven. It ran for 49 episodes from October, 1967 , until
September 1968. Again, Marusan made numerous Ultraseven figures, as
well as kaiju's. Ultraseven never was shown in the USA, but did air
briefly in Hawaii during the 1970's.

Below and on the following page, are
examples by Marusan, and other toy companies from this early period
in Ultraman toys. Of note, these early toys often don't look very
realistic, and can be rather rough in appearance. However, I feel
this era has some of the most interesting sculptures and designs.
Ultraman was originally inspired by various Buddha statues in Japan,
and one can almost sense a sereneness in these early figures.

The first Ultraman figure made by Marusan toys, 1966.
Note the lines on the ears. Standard size, 9 inches
tall.

The backside has the circle "san" logo, japan, and
the tsuburaya copyright logo.

Third photo shows the second edition Marusan Ultraman,
with different head. Standard size, 9 inches tall.

These 2 photos show the original head sculpt for the first edition
Marusan Ultraman, and than the second edition Marusan Ultraman head.
Amazingly, even back in the 60's there were variations to be
collected.

On the left side is the Marusan big size Ultraman. 11-1/2 inches
tall , 1967. With second edition Marusan Ultraman.

Incredibly rare Red Ultraman by Bullmark. Standard size ( 9 inches
tall ) This version was marketed towards girls in 1966. The thinking
was that the red vinyl would make the figure more attractive to
girls.. it did not work and today there are only 4 confirmed owners
of this toy.. truely a rare toy !

1966, Takutoku Toys (logo is TT) , Ultraman sprinkling toy. A
child would put water into the figure from the top,. When the figure
was tipped forward water would sprinkle from the finger tips ! 12-1/2
inches long. Gold Tsuburaya sticker copyright under arm. They also
made a Ultraseven figure in the same pose.

and yet another "Holy Grail", the Marusan Battery Opearated Hyata
talking doll ( also available in non-talking version). This doll is
similar to the doll above in construction. Complete with very rare
box.